5. Sunday, September 9, 2012: The 49ers defeated the Packers rather easily, 30-22, in Green Bay on opening day. The win signaled to the rest of the league that the 49ers’ 13-3 record from the previous season was no fluke. The 49ers were here to stay. less

5. Sunday, September 9, 2012: The 49ers defeated the Packers rather easily, 30-22, in Green Bay on opening day. The win signaled to the rest of the league that the 49ers’ 13-3 record from the previous season ... more

3. Monday, November 19, 2012: In his first start of his career, against the Chicago Bears, Kaepernick was stunning. Playing against the league’s fifth-ranked defense at the time, Kaepernick wowed a national television audience with his arm and his ability to throw a touch pass. less

3. Monday, November 19, 2012: In his first start of his career, against the Chicago Bears, Kaepernick was stunning. Playing against the league’s fifth-ranked defense at the time, Kaepernick wowed a national ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

3. Monday, November 19, 2012: In his first start of his career,... Photo-4095175.55789 - SFGate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.55789 - SFGate

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2. Saturday, November 17, 2012: Alex Smith, wisely, told doctors about his post-concussion symptoms and he was unexpectedly held out of the Monday Night Game against the Bears, opening the door for Kap.

2. Saturday, November 17, 2012: Alex Smith, wisely, told doctors about his post-concussion symptoms and he was unexpectedly held out of the Monday Night Game against the Bears, opening the door for Kap.

1. Sunday, November 11, 2012: With two plays left in the first quarter, quarterback Alex Smith was hammered by Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar. The resulting concussion, which caused blurred vision, sent Smith to the bench for the rest of the season and led to the brilliant ascension of Colin Kaepernick. less

1. Sunday, November 11, 2012: With two plays left in the first quarter, quarterback Alex Smith was hammered by Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar. The resulting concussion, which caused blurred vision, sent Smith ... more

Photo: Paul Kitagaki Jr., Associated Press

1. Sunday, November 11, 2012: With two plays left in the first... Photo-4095177.55789 - SFGate